Dark Ages

Justinian I

One of the most famous Byzantine emperors. Had a combination of military and Christianity. Byzantine emperor who came the closest to restoring the Roman empire.

Theodora

Wife of Justinian who convinced him to stay and fight against the Nika revolt.

Nika Revolt

When fans of the chariot races revolted against Justinian. Justinian arrested the leaders and was almost overwhelmed by the riots.

Justinian’s Code

Justinian assembled Roman laws from his own and previous eras. He created a body of law that would be the basis of modern law throughout Europe.

Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia was a temple built by Justinian. Known as the “temple of holy wisdom”.

Iconoclasm

The breaking of one’s image. Helps to further seperate the western Roman empire from the eastern Roman empire.

Empress Irene

Regent for her underage son. Has her son killed so she can continue to rule. Announces that iconoclasm is heresy. She is eventually sent into exile but was still considered saint of the church.

Monastacism

The idea of monks living in monasteries. Monasteries are isolated placed where monks can focus on things such as prayer and fasting without interruption. Monks produce lots of religious writing during this period.

Saint Benedict

Founded monasteries based on ora et labora (work and pray). Idea was for monks to be self sufficient through labor and spiritual work. Benedictine rules guided the monks through there daily life.

Pope Gregory I

Supporter of Christian monasteries, because he sees them as important for providing education. Also supports missionaries.

Saint Patrick

Converted Ireland people to Christianity. Ireland becomes a Christian stornghold and Irish monks go to great lengths to spread the religion.

Book of Kells

Example of religious texts produced in monasterie. Contains part of Christian gospel with elaborately shaped illustrations.

Theudelinda

Lombard queen who convinces husband to convert to orthodox christianity. From this point the Lombards follows orthodox Christianity.

Visigoths

Another Arian Christian barbarian group located in Spain.

Reccared

Visigoth emperor who converts to orthodox Christianity.

Councils of Toledo

Powerful church councils from Toledo. Has strong influence over the Visigoths government and society, including nominating kings. The councils of Toledo pass measures that oppress non-christian communities.

Franks

Roman federates. After Roman authority collapses the Franks take control.

Clovis I

Unifier of the Franks. First to convert to Christianity. Gets baptized to relate to his people since they’re christians. Also adopts their faith to get help from them.

Charles Martel

Stops the invasion of Muslims coming from Spain to France. Offered the throne in exchange for driving out the Lombards. Denies the offer.

Pepin The Short

King of the Franks for 17 years. Given throne by pope in exchange for driving the Lombards out.

Papal States

Land territories under the direst administrative control of the Orthodox Christian Church and Pope.

Charlemagne

1. Expands the kingdom of the Franks

2. Driven by Christianity. Spreads and protects Christianity.

3. Brings back education and literacy

Missi Dominici

Translates to lord’s emissaries. Two officials who worked together. One was a secular member and the other was a clergy. They inspected the work of the dukes and the counts.

Counts

Administrative officials in charge of cities, with limited control over municipal territories. They administer royal justice.

Duke

Adminstrative officials similar to the counts, but in charge of larger geographic areas.

Louis I The Pious

Replaces Charlemagne. Continues Charlemagne’s policies, but his sons fight for his territory before he dies.

Treaty of Verdun

Division of the Frankish controlled territories. Beginning of modern Europeans states such as Italy, Germany, and France.

Viking Raids of Monasteries

1. Monasteries had lots of money which made them targets of the Vikings.

2. The monks wouldn’t fight back against the Vikings.

Viking Raid in 845

They successfully attacked Paris. They get bribed to leave with 7,000 Frenhc livres and 5,670 pounds of silver and gold.

Viking Raid in 885

The Vikings once again lay siege to Paris. This attempt is uneuccessful and they get bribed with only 700 livres of silver to leave.

Charles The Simple

Gives land grant to Viking leader Rollo. Becomes known as Normandy. Has two purposes.

1. Encourage the Vikings to stop raiding Frankish territories.

2. Have Rollo protect the mouth of the Seine river against future Viking raids.